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Tuesday, May 31, 2011

According to reports from TSN, True North has bought the Atlanta Thrashers to move the team to Winnipeg in time for the start of 2011-2012.

The City of Winnipeg lost their Jets 15 years ago when the team relocated to the desert in Phoenix. Today, the capital of Manitoba will finally get another chance to witness a professional hockey team, pending on the approval of the NHL Board of Governors.

The price tag for the sale of the franchise is "$170 Million which also includes a $60 Million relocating fee will be distributed by the other 29 teams." TSN

Because the deal happened so late into year, it is believed that Winnipeg will have to play in the Eastern Division for one year, until the new hockey schedule is set up for the 2012-13 season.

Monday, May 30, 2011

It was announced yesterday that Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Jones will stay with the club for 2 years.

Jones who was to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st exclaimed, "I'm thrilled" when asked about the agreement.

"When you can get a deal done this early, it shows that both sides were working toward the same goal," said Jones. "I really want to be here and the owner, managers and coaches want me here as well."

For Jones, it was a simple decision for him to stay with the club; all he had to do was just sit and wait for the right numbers to appear on paper. In his mind, he couldn't think of any other place to play, especially after the break-out season this year.

Jones finished his 2010-11 campaign with an admirable 18 goals and 25 points while using his hard nosed, blue collar style of play. His work ethic and positive attitude on and off the ice granted him some valuable ice time. In fact Jones was seen on the first line when the injury bug ran rampant in the locker room. His adaptability to play on any line is a direct asset for a club who remains in rebuild mode.

For the fans of Edmonton, their contagious exuberance and excitement for the future has now touched every player on the squad. To answer the support from their fans, Jones believes the Oilers will reciprocate with wins.

Perhaps even a berth in the playoffs for next season.

"The community bleeds copper and blue. It's a great place to play and the fan support is simply amazing. The history of the team is unreal too. You look at the young guys we have in the organization now and the steps that they took last year. It's an exciting time for the organization and the second part of the so-called 'rebuild'. This is where we start winning games." said Jones.

"There's a great, great team in that locker room. We went through some battles, some ups and downs last year" he said. "That's going to make us stronger as a group. You never know what the team can do. We've got the personnel and we've got the coaching. The sky's the limit and I think the playoffs are a realistic goal."

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Once again, we'll turn our attention away from the Edmonton Oilers to give you something a little less...titillating.

In a sport where a little hook, jab or a couple of "yo' momma-jokes" is enough to rattle the opponent; Steve Downie decided it would be better to just express some love towards his combatant Andrew Ference.

In this clip captured by Versus, Downie is seen attempting to give Ference a little kiss on the lips.

Uh, not that there is anything wrong with that?

Good Ol' Reggie Dunlop once said "violence is killing this sport, it's dragging it through the mud."

According to Downie, not so much anymore.

I say, sure Downie, go ahead and kiss him, good-bye. Perhaps maybe wait until after the 7th and deciding game of the series.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Last week, former NHL player Derek Boogaard was found dead inside his Minneapolis apartment, today it was revealed via media release that the "cause of death is mixed alcohol and oxycodone toxicity" and that it was added that death was an accident. The report also stated that no other details will be provided.

The funeral will take place in Regina at the RCMP Depot on Saturday May 21st

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Here at Oilers Update, we are going to turn our attention from our beloved Oil to give you something a little more...interesting.

The Vancouver Canucks played host to the San Jose Sharks last night at Rogers Center; where the home squad squashed the Sharks with a 7-3 victory.

Sharks forward Ben Eager capped his monstrous night with a goal while earning 20 (yes 20) minutes in penalties. With less than 9 seconds remaining in the game, Eager potted a simple goal past a sprawling Roberto Luongo; and immediately hoovered over the net-minder to remind him about just how awesome Ben Eager really is.

While I don't mind some theatrics in sports or even a little "hot-dogging", "dilly-dally" or the ever so popular "how-she-going", however, what I don't like is the taunting. When you taunt, back it up with more than just scoring goals and random acts of pugilism.

Moreover, if you are going to taunt at least do so without finding yourself in the box with a game misconduct.

Go out there and WIN because clearly all fans alike would rather see you on the ice to back up your words.

In fact some fans will even show their displeasure for your stupidity.

Here is a clip of Ben Eager inside the box feeling shame for his boob-boo.

Monday, May 16, 2011

The NHL lost one of the toughest enforcers to ever play the game last week. 28 year-old Derek Boogaard was found dead inside his apartment last Friday night in Minneapolis by his brothers, Aaron and Ryan.

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy the following day, however the results will not be released for another two weeks, as noted by county spokeswoman Carol Allis.

Despite his 6'8" 265 lb frame, the "Boogey Man" as he was often referred to on the ice for his pugilistic prowess, Boogaard was regarded to be a very benevolent person.

"Derek was an extremely kind and caring individual." said New York Rangers President and GM Glen Sather. "He was a very thoughtful person, who will be dearly missed by all those who knew him. We extend out deepest sympathies to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time."

Yesterday, it was announced by the Boogaard family that Derek's brain will be donated to the Boston University School of Medicine for trauma research. The announcement comes to no surprize to the hockey world, since ex-NHL enforcer Bob Probert died last year from a degenerative brain disease, as discovered by medical researchers at BU. Boogaard sat out the remainder of the 2010-11 season with a concussion; and now the Boogaard family is hoping for the research team to see if Derek's injury contributed to his death.

Boogaard played a total of 277 games while collecting 3 goals and 13 assists with 589 penalties in minutes.

Monday, May 9, 2011

James Neal's goal and assist, and Jonathan Bernier's brillant show stopping saves, helped lift Canada to a 3-2 win over Team Sweden. Moments after Neal's opening goal in first 2 minutes of the hockey game, Sweden's David Petrasek tied the game on the power play. Oilers' Magnus Paajarvi provided the assist on the goal.

John Tavares and Brent Burns also added goals for Canada as they now get set to face Russia on Wednesday.

Jordan Eberle was held off the score sheet, yet found the sin-bin for a slashing call in the second period.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Edmonton Oilers forward Jordan Eberle came out big in the shoot-out by a displaying a marvelous back-hand to beat Ty Conklin. Soon after, it was Rick Nash's turn to fool the US net-minder as Canada went on to defeat Team USA 4-3 in Slovakia.

Brent Burns, John Tavares and Jason Spezza also added goals for the Canadians; who out-shot the US by a count of 51-20. For his brilliant goal-tending, Ty Conklin received top honours for his club while Jason Spezza also shared the glory of MVP.

After being down 3-2 in the last four minutes of play, the US tallied when Komisarek's blast trickled past James Reimer's arm to force extra time.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

In this epic photo we have the late Gary Coleman posing with hockey hall-of-famer Mark "The Moose" Messier within the Edmonton Oilers locker-room.

Coleman with pen and book in hand was probably on his way to meet up with the rest of the Oilers to collect more signatures, though it is not known if Coleman signed a few, uh...towels.

The photo was captured in Edmonton after the Oilers had won a play-off series. According to Mark Messier, "He (Gary Coleman) was in Edmonton doing some kind of promotional event. We had just won a playoff round against somebody, and he came down to the dressing room to say hello to the team. And that's when that picture was taken."

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Edmonton Oilers forward Jordan Eberle had a goal and earned MVP honours en-route to a 4-3 victory over the Swiss in Slovakia.

With the game knotted at 2, Chris Stewart put the Canadians ahead with 4 minutes left in regulation. Stewart collected a rebound and wristed a perfectly placed shot whilst falling on his back. However, the Swiss came back with their own equalizer when Andres Ambuhl fired the puck past James Reimer to force over-time.

With 45 seconds remaining in extra time, St. Louis Blues star Alex Peitrangelo netted the winner to give Canada their 3 straight win and 6th point of the tournament.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Magnus Paajarvi scored to help lift Team Sweden to a 3 nothing win against Austria. Sweden's Niklas Persson enjoyed a two goal campaign; while Paajarvi banged home a simple rebound from Petrasek's point shot.

"It was a much better game for me tonight," said Persson. "I didn't have a very good first game."

Sweden will look to add another win when they face the US this Wednesday. A win for Sweden will grant them top spot in their group.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Sweden lost for the first time versus their Scandinavian foes from Norway yesterday evening. Bastiansen's equalizer for Norway, forced the game go to overtime. After 5 minutes of extra time, Skroder beat Swedish goaltender Ersberg to give Norway the 5-4 victory.

Swedish forward Magnus Paajarvi only managed an assist to earn his first point of the tournament.

The Swedes will now face Austria tomorrow.

May 1st 2011

Canada lambasted France with a 9-1 victory tonight in Slovakia. 18 year-old Jeff Skinner cashed in on 2 goals while Jason Spezza and Rick Nash also contributed to the win. During the imminent route, France's Christobal Huet was chased out of the crease in time for the second period.

After James Riemer set aside 24 out of 25 shots for Canada, Devan Dubnyk took over the goaltending duties with 14 minutes remaining in regulation.

Jordan Eberle struggled to find the net and finished the game with one shot on goal. Jeff Skinner now leads Canada with 4 points.